Emergency Housing

This leaflet explains what options are available when you need accommodation immediately.

What types of places are there?

Options include: housing from the council, staying with friends, hostels, women's refuges, bed and breakfast hotels, squatting and, as a last resort, sleeping out. The suitability of each option will vary depending on your needs, preferences, income and what is available in your area.

What to do first

If you are in immediate danger try to get to a safe place and then get advice about your options. For example, if you are fleeing from violence or abuse, you may need to go to friends or family, the police or a refuge.

If you have left or been asked to leave your accommodation but could be willing to return get advice about your rights as you may be able to go back. Your rights vary according to what kind of tenancy you have or if you own your own home. If you have no rights or do not wish to return, an adviser will tell you your options.

Housing from the council

Local council housing departments have to provide some groups of homeless people with emergency accommodation. This is usually in a hostel or bed and breakfast hotel. If the council provides you with emergency housing, this may only be until it has time to look in more detail at your situation.

If you are not eligible for help and you have children, or you are young, or have physical or mental health problems, you may still be able to get help to find somewhere to stay from social services.

Staying with friends

If there are friends or relatives with whom you can stay, you may find this the least stressful emergency option and you are likely to feel safe. But your friends may only want you to stay for a very short time so get advice about longer term options.

Hostels

There are lots of different types of hostels including nightshelters, winter (cold weather) shelters, 'direct access' hostels and longer term hostels. You will need a hostel you can get into without going on a waiting list. Some hostels have entry criteria for example, based on how old you are or whether you are male or female. Some hostels fill up very quickly so contact them as early in the day as possible to see if they have vacancies or ask an advice agency to refer you.

Women's refuges

If you are a woman fleeing violence or threats of violence you can stay in a refuge. These are usually ordinary houses shared by women and children. Refuge addresses are kept secret to protect women. They have workers to help with claiming benefits and getting permanent accommodation.

Bed and breakfast hotels

These are privately run hotels. You may get a room the same day but they are usually expensive and will want money in advance. You should check out the condition of the rooms, what services are provided and whether there are cooking facilities.

Squatting

Squatting in an empty property is not usually a crime but you can leave yourself open to committing criminal offences. If you squat you can be evicted quickly.

Sleeping out

Sleeping out is best avoided as it can be dangerous. If it is your only immediate option, then it is important to keep warm. Try to find a sheltered place and avoid sleeping directly on the ground. It is usually safer to sleep where there are other people around. Ask an advice centre for any information about day centres, outreach teams, soup runs and soup kitchens.

Further information

This is only a very basic introduction to emergency housing options. For more information go to www.shelternet.org.uk or get Shelter's free booklet: 'Finding a place to live' from your local Shelter housing aid centre or by ringing Shelterline on 0808 800 4444 (24 hour freephone).

Published August 2002.

This document was provided by Shelter. www.shelternet.org.uk